Ba signs for the Blues

AFTER MUCH speculation over the past few months, Chelsea have officially completed the signing of striker Demba Ba from Newcastle United for £7m.

The 27-year-old Senegal international has penned a three-and-a-half year contract at Stamford Bridge and is eligible to play for the Blues in their FA Cup tie against Southampton on January 5.

Ba, who has been given the number 29 shirt, said: "It feels good to be here, I'm very happy and very proud. When the club who won the Champions League wants you, the decision is very easy

"This club is massive and that's something that helped the decision a lot. It was not a hard one."

Ba, who scored 13 Premier League goals for United this season, added: "It was important for me, and for Newcastle, to get my future sorted and now we can move on. Now they have the whole month to buy someone and for me as well, the sooner the better.